The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture has reaffirmed its stance on enforcing a mandatory 24-hour accident reporting requirement for tour companies, despite facing criticism from industry representatives.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing emphasized that the ministry places tourist safety above all other concerns and will maintain strict adherence to this directive. Responding to objections raised by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, Tiong highlighted the critical need for swift incident reporting to protect tourists and uphold Malaysia’s reputation as a safe travel destination.

In a statement released on Facebook, Tiong noted that past tour-related accidents had significantly raised public concern, prompting some foreign governments to issue travel advisories cautioning their citizens against visiting certain Malaysian destinations.

"The ministry remains steadfast and will not yield to pressure or complaints. Our unwavering commitment is to prioritize safety, ensuring confidence in Malaysia's tourism industry is fully restored," Tiong said.

Under the directive, tour operators must submit comprehensive reports within 24 hours of an incident. Required information includes driver background checks, health assessments prior to incidents, vehicle inspection reports, technical status of tour buses, passenger details, and planned travel routes.

"These mandatory reports will greatly aid authorities in identifying the root causes of accidents, encouraging thorough screening procedures during hiring, and reinforcing strict safety compliance measures," explained Tiong.

He also firmly dismissed manpower shortages as a valid reason for compromising safety, citing instances such as past accidents involving tour buses and boats where negligence was evident.

"Previous incidents revealed serious oversights, such as hiring drivers with drug-related criminal histories and failing to provide essential safety equipment like life jackets, as notably observed in the Pulau Perhentian boat tragedy," Tiong added.

Expressing international implications, Tiong mentioned concerns frequently voiced by foreign ministers during his official overseas visits regarding Malaysia's safety standards.

"We must proactively address these concerns rather than react to further tragedies. Preventive measures are essential. Should other nations issue blanket travel advisories against Malaysia, the entire tourism sector would suffer significantly," he concluded.